Mata Ortiz is a small village in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The village of Mata Ortiz has recently seen a revival of an ancient Mesoamerican pottery tradition. Inspired by pottery from the ancient city of Paquimé, which traded as far north as New Mexico and Arizona and throughout northern Mexico, modern potters are producing work for national and international sale. This new artistic movement is due to the efforts of Juan Quezada, the self-taught originator of modern Mata Ortiz pottery, his extended family and neighbors. Mata Ortiz pots are hand built without the use of a potter’s wheel. Shaping, polishing and painting the clay is entirely done by hand, often with brushes made from children’s hair. All materials and tools originate from supplies that are readily available locally.

Here are a view images of our featured artist Juan Quezada creating his signature hand made pottery.

Lancashire Art Gallery

Here you will find photos and information about our latest projects in the art room and out and about in the halls of Lancashire Elementary. In addition, I will post fun extra credit art projects that can be done at home and on long vacations.